How to Make Diced Tomatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of buying diced tomatoes from the store that are either too watery or not fresh enough? Why not try making your own diced tomatoes at home instead? It’s actually quite easy and you’ll be surprised at the difference in taste compared to the store-bought ones.

First things first, you will need to gather some fresh and ripe tomatoes. Look for firm, unblemished tomatoes and avoid those that have soft spots or are overly wrinkled. You can use any variety of tomato for this, whether it be cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes. The choice is yours! Once you have your tomatoes, it’s time to start dicing. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preparation

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You will need a sharp knife, a cutting board, a bowl, and of course, fresh tomatoes. Choose tomatoes that are ripe but not too soft. Rinse them thoroughly under running water and dry them with a paper towel.

2. Choose the Right Tomatoes

The key to making great diced tomatoes is to choose the right ones. Look for tomatoes that are meaty and have fewer seeds. Roma tomatoes, often sold as “plum” tomatoes, are a good choice for diced tomatoes. They have a thick flesh and a small seed cavity, which makes them easy to dice.

3. Cut the Stem

Rinse the tomatoes and remove the stem. Using a sharp knife, cut a shallow circle around the stem and remove it. This will make it easier to slice the tomato.

4. Cut the Tomato in Half

Place the tomato on the cutting board with the stem side facing up. Using your knife, cut the tomato in half from top to bottom. If the tomato is very large, you may want to cut it into quarters to make dicing easier.

5. Remove the Seeds and Pulp

Using a spoon or your finger, remove the seeds and pulp from the tomato halves. This is important because the seeds and pulp can make the diced tomatoes watery.

6. Slice the Tomato Halves

With the flat part of the tomato facing down, slice the halves into thin strips.

7. Cut the Strips into Cubes

Gather the strips and cut them into small cubes. Make sure the cubes are evenly sized to ensure even cooking.

8. Transfer to a Bowl

Place the diced tomatoes into a bowl, and repeat the process for the remaining tomatoes.

9. Add Seasonings According to Your Taste

To enhance the flavor of your diced tomatoes, you can add some seasonings. A little bit of salt and pepper or some fresh herbs, such as basil or cilantro, can make a big difference.

10. Save the Extras in the Freezer

If you end up with too many diced tomatoes, don’t throw them away. Simply transfer the extras to a freezer bag and freeze them for later use. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Tools and Equipment Needed to Make Diced Tomatoes

Before we dive into the process of making diced tomatoes, it’s important to make sure you have the necessary tools and equipment to make the process go smoothly. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to have on hand:

1. Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife is necessary for chopping the tomatoes into small pieces.
2. Cutting board: You’ll need a sturdy cutting board to chop your tomatoes on.
3. Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl will be used to hold the diced tomatoes after they’re cut.
4. Strainer: A strainer will help you separate the tomato juice from the diced tomatoes.
5. Pot: You’ll need a pot to blanch the tomatoes before dicing.
6. Ice bath: An ice bath is used to cool the tomatoes after blanching.
7. Dish towel: A dish towel will be used to dry the tomatoes after blanching.
8. Mason jars: If you plan on storing your diced tomatoes for later use, you’ll need some mason jars with lids.
9. Large spoon: A large spoon will be used to scoop the diced tomatoes into the jars.
10. Funnel: A funnel will make it easier to pour the diced tomatoes into the jars without making a mess.

Having these tools and equipment on hand will make the process of making diced tomatoes much smoother. Now that we’ve covered the equipment needed, let’s move on to the next section, which covers the steps for preparing the tomatoes for dicing.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Diced Tomatoes

1. Choosing the Right Tomatoes

To make the perfect diced tomatoes, your choice of tomatoes is crucial. You want to pick tomatoes that are firm to the touch, unblemished, and have a deep red color. Ripe tomatoes will have a slightly sweet scent and adding them to your recipe will enhance the flavor. Roma or plum tomatoes are the best choice for making diced tomatoes as they have a low water content and hold their shape better.

2. Preparing the Tomatoes

Before dicing your tomatoes, you need to wash them thoroughly under running water. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris from the tomatoes’ skin. For easier skin removal, score a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Immediately transfer them to a bowl filled with cold water and let them cool before peeling.

3. Dicing the Tomatoes

To dice the tomatoes, cut them in half lengthwise and remove the stem. Place the tomatoes cut side down on a cutting board and slice them into strips. Hold the strips together and cut them crosswise into small cubes. Depending on how fine you want your diced tomatoes, adjust the size of the cubes.

4. Storing Diced Tomatoes

Diced tomatoes can easily be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you know you won’t use them right away, you can also freeze them. Place your diced tomatoes in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, then lay them flat in the freezer. Once frozen, you can stack them in the freezer, and they will be good for up to six months.

5. Using Diced Tomatoes in Recipes

Diced tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in many recipes. You can add them to soups, chili, stews, or make a quick salsa by combining diced tomatoes with onions, jalapenos, and cilantro. If you want to add them to salads, drain the excess juice before adding them to the bowl. Diced tomatoes can also be used as a topping for meats, such as grilled chicken or fish.

In conclusion, knowing how to make diced tomatoes is a kitchen essential. It’s an easy way to add flavor, color, and nutrition to your meals. Whether you’re making soup, chili, or salsa, diced tomatoes can take your recipe to the next level. With our step-by-step guide, you can make perfect diced tomatoes in no time.

Thank you for taking the time to read about how to make diced tomatoes. It’s such a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes, from salsa to sauces to soups. I hope this article has inspired you to try making your own diced tomatoes at home. Remember to come back soon for more tasty recipes and helpful cooking tips! Happy cooking!